Awning construction



Feb. 15, 1966 A. J. TOTl IETAL 3,234,697

AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed D60. 22, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. /5

INVENTORS /6 ANDREW J. ror/ CARLO J T077 A TTOPNEYQ M JAMWI Feb. 15,1966 A. J. TOT! ETAL 3,

AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 22, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 H6 .6 2 F/G 7INVENTORS 2i AND/PE W J. T077 CARLO J. T077 BYE-2 A T TO/PNEKS Feb. 15,1966 A. J. TOTl ETAL 9 AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 22, 1961 5Sheets-Sheet 5 I INVENTORS ANDREW J. 7' 07' CARLO J. T077 AT TO/PNEVSFeb. 15, 1966 A. J. TOTI ETAL 3,234,597

AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 22, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

73 e9 65 f I INVENTORS ANDREW J. 7077 CARLO J. T077 A 7' TOPNE Y5 Feb.15, 1966 A. J. TOTl ETAL AWNING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec.22, 1961 INVENTORS ANDREW J. T077 /G .26 F CARLO J. T077 BYE Q Q}, Z l

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,234,697 AWNING CONSTRUCTION Andrew J.Toti and Carlo J. Toti, both of 319 McHenry Ave., Modesto, Calif. FiledDec. 22, 1961, Ser. No. 161,590 16 Claims. (Cl. 52-75) This inventionrelates generally to a cover structure, and more particularly to anawning construction or assembly which is adapted to be positioned inprojecting relationship relative to a supporting structure, such as ahouse or mobile trailer home or other building over a window or doorprovided therein.

Still more particularly, this invention relates to an awningconstruction which may readily be manually assembled from a plurality ofdiscrete fully preformed components by an unskilled person withoutrequiring fasteners or special tools. In this connection, the subjectawning assembly is designed so that fasteners and simple tools arerequired only in affixing an assembled awning construction to asupporting structure.

To provide an awning assembly that is extremely rigid and sturdy in theabsence of connecting fasteners, interengageable means are providedalong the contacting edges of certain awning components with which thecomponents may be securely snap-locked together. This snap-lockinterengagement feature distinguishes this invention from prior artawnings in which the components are slidably interengaged. By preformingthe components of this awning for snap-lock interengagement, a securefit between the respective components is insured so that chattering andlooseness in the awning is positively precluded. In prior art awningsemploying a sliding interengagement, looseness results because of thenecessity to provide sufiicient clearance between the respectivecomponents to permit sliding.

A further important feature of this awning assembly resides in the factthat the awning is defined by a minimum of parts, including preformedsnap-lock interengageable slats which may be connected to define a broadcontinuous canopy, channel members to be extended transversely acrossand securely snap-interlocked with opposite ends of each of therespective slats of the canopy, brackets for securing the awning whenassembled to a supporting structure when other securing means are notprovided on the structure, and brace means for supporting the outer freeend of the awning when the same is positioned in engagement with asupporting structure. As noted previously, the only fasteners requiredin such an assembly are employed for securing one end of the brace meansand the brackets to the supporting structure when such brackets andbrace means are employed. In a preferred embodiment of the awningassembly, each slat of the assembly is identical to all other slats tobe employed. In this embodiment, the channel members preferably also areidentical and accordingly the canopy of the awning is defined by onlytwo types of parts, namely, slats and the channel members. To completesuch an assembly, it is only necessary to provide brace means andbracket means Where required.

In another embodiment of the invention, alternate slats of the canopymay be modified somewhat as will be described to provide an even morerigid and sturdy canopy. However, even with this modified construction,only two types of slats are required while the channel members employedpreferably are identical.

The subject awning assembly has been designed so that the same may beemployed in so-called do it yourself projects. That is, a home owner orthe like may go to an awning outlet and purchase necessary componentsfrom which an awning of a given size may be assembled to meet hisparticular needs.

In this regard, it is visualized that the slats of the awning will bepreformed in various standard widths, such as three inches, six inchesand nine inches, so that an awning canopy of any given width may bereadily built up merely by interconnecting .a predetermined number ofslats. In conjunction with this concept, it is also visualized thatawning slats of predetermined standard length also will be provided,such as three feet, four feet, four and one-half feet and the like. Inmaking the slats available in various widths and lengths, substantiallyall consumer needs may be easily met.

It is also contemplated that a brace employable with the awning will bemade adjustable to accommodate and be useful with awnings of varyinglengths. Similarly, the transverse locking channel members also will bepre-cut in various standard lengths to be useful with canopies ofpredetermined widths.

As a result, a home owner or the like with a given awning problem needonly present his awning dealer with the size of the window or door hewishes to protect. He then can purchase, either in packaged kit form oras individual components, the awning assembly to meet his needs. Such anassembly may be easily assembled by him without requiring specialtraining and skill and requiring only a conventional screw driver tosecure the assembled canopy to a supporting structure.

Because of the simple construction of this awning and the minimum numberof its parts, it has the important advantage of being producible at verylow cost. This awning has wide applicability and possesses theseadditional advantages: awnings of any given size may be easilyassembled. by selecting the suitable number of components for a givenjob; no fasteners are required in interconnecting the canopy components,nor are special tools required; no special training or skill is requiredfor the assembly; an awning is provided which may be sold in packagedkit form ready for assembly; a secure nonchattering interfit between thevarious components of the awning is insured because the components aredesigned to snap-lock together, as opposed to sliding together; andawning slats of various curved longitudinal contours may be employed.because the slats are snap-locked together. In this latter regard, theterm snap-lock is intended to cover all constructions in which theawning components are interfitted with each other without longitudinalmovement relative to each other. While in awnings of extremely smallsize, some longitudinal movement might be permitted, in larger sizeawnings, and in awnings with longitudinally curved slats, only asnap-interlock, rather than a sliding-interlock, is possible.

In view of the foregoing, objects of this invention include: theprovision of a low cost, easily assembled awning which may be assembledby an unskilled person without requiring special tools or training; theprovision of a method of assembling such an awning; the provision of anawning construction which is defined by a miniroom number of parts; theprovision of an awning in which the various principal components aresnap lockalble together to insure secure interengagement; and theprovision of an awning in which the slats may be formed withlongitudinal configurations of innumerable designs and configurations.

These and other objects will become apparent from a study of thefollowing disclosure, in which reference is directed to the attacheddrawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembled awning construction of thisinvention positioned over the Window of a supporting structure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the awning of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the awning taken in the plane of line33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line 44 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating the interengagement of thebrace means of the awning with the free end thereof;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation illustrating one manner of snap lockinterengaging slats with a channel member;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a modified manner of snap-lockinterenga-ging a plurality of interconnected slats with a channelmember;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an end of an awning slat;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are end views of awning slats illustrating alternatemethods of snap-lock interengaging adjacent slats with each other;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are side elevational views of awning constructions inwhich the slats have modified longitudinal configuration;

FIG. 13 is an end view of a modified slat locking channel member;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a pair of channel membersinterconnected with each other;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line I 1515 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view illustrating the manner in which anassembled awning canopy may be attached to a supporting structure;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a modified awning construction;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line 1818 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a generally schematic View of a modified awning constructionshown attached to a mobile trailer home;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational View on an enlarged scale showing themanner in which the awning assembly of FIG. 19 may be attached to amobile trailer home;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view illustrating the application of thisinvention into a fence structure;

FIGS. 22 through 26 are end views of pairs of interengaged slats havingmodified snap-look interengaging means provided along edge portionsthereof.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1through 5, it will be noted that the awning when assembled consistsessentially of a series of snap-locked interengaged slats 1, all ofwhich prefera'bly are identical in cross sectional configuration, asbest seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Extending transversely of the interengagedslats 1, at opposite ends thereof are a pair of channel members 2 whichalso are preferably identical. These channel members are engaged witheach slat of the series and impart transverse rigidity to the slatseries. In this regard, the channel members interlock with opposite endsof the interengaged slats, as described more fully hereinafter, andthereby define opposite ends of the awning canopy. The locking membersare basically U-shaped in cross-section defined by opposed side Wallsand a connecting bottom end wall. Each slat end is received in theopening between the opposed side walls of an associated channel memberso that such channel member is positioned over the end of such slat insecure straddling engagement therewith, as seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 16,for example.

A brace 3 is interposed between the free outer end of the awning canopydefined by the slats and channel members and the wall surface 4 of asupporting structure from which the canopy projects. Preferably, a pairof such braces 3, one adjacent each edge, are employed with each awning,although with awnings of large size more than two braces may berequired. Brackets 6 are employed to secure the inner end of the awningcanopy to the wall 4 of the supporting structure. Preferably, at leasttwo such brackets 6 are employed for this purpose adjacent oppositeedges of the awning. Desirably, a strip of Weather stripping 7, whichmay be metal or rubber, is engaged beneath a reversely bent shoulder 841. of the channel member at the inner end of the awning. See FIGS. 1and 2. This weather strip precludes rain seepage between Wall 4 and thechannel member.

An important feature of this invention which should be evident fromFIGS. 1 to 5 is that the only fasteners required in the use of thesubject awning are employed to secure the brackets 6 and the inner end 9of the braces 3 to the wall 4 of the supporting structure. That is, inthe awning canopy itself no fasteners are required or employed, and theslats and channel member which define the canopy are securelyinterlocked with each other in snap-lock fashion.

, Preferably, the slats and channel members are fully preformed from asturdy yet readily formable material which possesses at least someinherent resiliency, such as sheet aluminum. While other sheet metalsmay be employed, aluminum is preferred because it may easily be formedon rolling machines into intricate shapes, and because it may be paintedprior to forming so that the finished components do not requiresubsequent decorative treatment. The brace means employed preferably areformed from hollow tubes of aluminum or steel, while it is preferredthat the brackets be formed from a strong material such as steel.

Each slat 1 is provided with a concave cross section for its full lengthto impart increased longitudinal rigidity and strength thereto. While itshould be understood that such slats could be transversely generallyflat, the concave configuration is preferred. Along oppositelongitudinal edge portions of the respective slats are provided means bywhich each slat of the canopy may be snap-interlocked with an adjacentslat. For this purpose one edge portion of each slat is provided withpreformed longitudinal groove structure 11, while the opposite edgeportion of the slat is provided with a fully preformed lip structure 12.The groove structure 11 illustrated is defined by an upwardly andreversely bent edge of the slat which forms a somewhat areuate groove,while lip structure 12 illustrated is defined by an upwardly bentsomewhat arcuate flange. The width of the groove is generally equal tothe thickness of the flange so that a snug fit is insured.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 9 and 10, it is seen that the lip structure 12of one slat may be snap-lock interengaged with the groove structure 11of an adjacent slat. In FIG. 9, one manner of snap-lock interengagementis illustrated in which the lip structure of one slat is arranged forgenerally pivotal snap-interengagement with the groove structure ofanother slat; while in FIG. 10, the slats to be interengaged aregenerally aligned, and the slats are moved directly into engagement witheach other without pivoting of one relative to the other. In this latterregard, because the slat material chosen possesses a certain degree ofresilience, temporary distortion of the groove structure of one slat andthe lip structure of the other slat during interengagement is permitted.

Referring now of FIG. 3, the interengaged lip and groove structures ofadjacent slats are securely interconnected without looseness or spacingtherebetween so that a rigid assembly is provided. It should beunderstood that to build up a canopy of any given size, it is merelynecessary to interengage a predetermined number of slats with eachother, Because of the tight fit between the lip and groove structures,longitudinal sliding movement between the same is precluded, so thatseparation of the slats from each other may be accomplished only byreversing the procedure shown in 'FIGS. 9 or 10. Accordingly, lateralseparation of interconnected slats is positively precluded by the lipand groove structures employed.

As seen in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, it is preferred that the lip structure 12and groove structure 11 on the respective edge portions of the slats aresomewhat arcuate in cross section so that inadvertent disengagementthereof is precluded. In this embodiment of the awning the outer ends 13of the slats are provided with a curved configuration. Accordingly, tofacilitate interengagement at the outer ends, it is preferred that, asseen in FIG. 4, the flange of the lip structure and the groove of thegroove structure are generally straight.

As should be understood, it is not necessary for the slats to beprovided with curved ends, as shown in FIG. 2, and if desired the slatsmay be generally straight from end to end thereof, In such case, thebraces 3 employed also would be generally straight. That is, the bracespreferably conform generally to the longitudinal contour of therespective slats.

After a plurality of slats have been snap-lock interengaged with eachother in the manner described, opposite ends of the respective slats aresnap-locked into engagement with the aforementioned channel members 2.In this connection, it should be noted from FIGS. 6 and 8 that each slatis provided adjacent its respective opposite ends with transverse slots16 for the purpose to be described. Also, as seen from FIGS. 6 to 8,each end of the slat preferably is provided with a tapered nose portion17 to facilitate interengagement of the respective slats with a givenchannel member.

While the channel members may take various cross sectionalconfigurations, an important aspect of the channel member irrespectiveof its particular configuration is that the same is provided with aninwardly extending longitudinal projection which is to be snap-lockedinto secure engagement with the preformed slot 16 adjacent a given endof each slat of the series which define the canopy. In thechannel-member embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, this projection isdesignated 18 and is defined by a reversely folded edge portion of thechannel.

It should be understood, as shown in FIG. 6, that a series ofinterengaged slats may be snap-locked into engagement with a channelmember merely by moving the channel and the slats at right anglesrelative to each other until the projection 18 is snugly received ineach slat of the series. Alternatively, if a large awning constructionis being assembled, rather than moving the slats at right anglesrelative to the channel member during the inter engaging operation, theassembled slats may be angularly related to the channel member and theslats then progressively moved into the channel member in the mannershown in FIG. 7.

Upon interconnection of a pair of channel members with a series ofintcrengaged slats, a rigid canopy is provided which may be handled as aunit during positioning of the same on a supporting structure.

From the foregoing, it should 'be understood that it is a simple matterfor an unskilled person to manually assemble an awning of this inventionmerely by, first, interengaging a plurality of slats of the desirednumber to provide a slat series of the desired width; secondly, toengage a channel member with one end of the assembled slat series; andthirdly, to assemble another channel mem ber with the other end of theslat assembly so that a completed awning canopy ready for attachment toa supporting structure is provided. Thereafter it is merely necessary toattach the desired number of brackets to the supporting structure and toposition braces, when required, between the free end of the awningcanopy and the supporting structure in the manner shown in the drawings.

Each channel member includes another important section, namely, areversely bent longitudinal securing flange portion 21, by means ofwhich the channel member may be secured to the aforementioned brackets6, and by means of which end 22 of each brace 3 may be connected withthe channel member at the free outer end of the awning construction.

In this regard, reference is directed to FIG. 16 in which an assembledcanopy, which includes a modified channel member 23, to be described, isshown being attached to the wall 4 of a supporting structure. For thispurpose, bracket 6 has previously been secured to the wall by screwfasteners 24. As seen, each bracket 6 is provided adjacent its upper endwith a preformed hook portion 26 with which the preformed securingportion 21 6 of the channel member is engageable. The end of the hookportion 26 of the bracket is spaced outwardly from the wall so that thechannel member may be inserted between the hook portion and the wall.Thereafter, the canopy may be pivoted as a unit in the maner shown indotted lines in FIG. 16 to any predetermined angle of inclinationdesired relative to the supporting structure.

After the canopy has been located in a predetermined angle ofinclination, it is a simple matter to attach a brace 3 between thecanopy and the supporting structure.

Referring first, however, to FIGS. 3 and 16, it should be noted thatbracket 6 also preferably is formed with a second integral hook portion27 which is incorporated therewith for permitting attachment of a canopythereto when the bracket is secured in a generally horizontal position,such as when the bracket is secured in engagewith the roof overhang of ahouse. The second book portion 27 permits a modified use of the bracket.In conjunction with the second hook portion 27 is provided a bendabletab 28 designed to preclude separation of a channel member from the hookportion 27 when the alternative mounting arrangement just mentioned isemployed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, it will be noted that each brace 3preferably comprises two telescoped tubular sections which areoperatively interconnected by fastener 29 passing through one sectionand engaged with the inner section. As a result, the brace may beextended or retracted to any desired length merely by releasing thefastener 29, adjusting the sections, and subsequently tightening downthe fastener. The adjustable length of the brace makes the same usablewith varied awning constructions in which the slot lengths vary.

Inner end 9 of the brace is flattened as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and abracket 31 is pivotally connected therewith. Such bracket 31 is securedby fasteners 32 to the wall of the supporting structure. The oppositeend 22 of the brace also is flattened and is provided with a series ofbent fingers 33 and 34 which are to receive therebetween the preformedsecuring portion 21 of the channel member 2 at the outer end of theawning canopy.

Fingers 33 and 34, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, are so dimensionedthat they snugly engage the securing portion 21 of the channel member.In this regard, it has been found preferable that the fingers 33 and 34of the brace with the awning precludes the use of fasteners so that thebrace may be positioned at any predetermined location along the lengththereof. In this manner, any number of braces found necessary may beemployed as may be determined by the width of the awning construction.Normally, however, two braces have been found adequate with one bracebeing positioned adjacent each edge of the assembled awning. Thisinterfitting of the bnace with the awning precludes the use of fastenersas is common with prior art awnings.

From the foregoing it should be obvious that this invention includes anovel and simple method for providing an awning assembly which includesthe simple steps of providing a plurality of preformed slats each ofwhich has snap-lock interengageable means along opposite edge portionsthereof. The number of such slats provided will be determined by thewidth of the awning to be assembled. By snap-lock interengagingrespective slats until a canopy of the desired width is provided and bythereafter snap-lock interengaging a channel member with opposite endsof the canopy, an awning construction may easily be effected withoutrequiring the use of tools or fasteners.

Following the assembly of the awning construction in the mannerdescribed, it is a simple manner to pivotally connect the awning with abracket or brackets previously secured to a wall structure in the mannershown in FIG. 16, and to thereafter interpose a brace or braces betweenthe supporting structure and the outer end of the awning.

Having thus described one preferred embodiment of the invention, itshould be obvious that numerous modifications thereto may be provided.For example, comparing FIG, 11 with FIG. 2, it should be noted that theawning slats may be provided with a longitudinal contour of any suitableconfiguration for a given purpose. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,the awning slats are generally straight for the majority of their lengthwith a curved end 13 being provided therewith for increased sunprotection and added decorative effect. In FIG. 11, however, the awningslats 36 illustrated are generally straight for a predetermined part 37of their length and are provided with two discrete bent sections 38 and39. Such a canopy construction is provided so that the same can beplaced in projecting relationship over a pivotal swing-out window 41shown in phantom lines. Similarly, with respect to the showing of FIG.12, the respective slats 42 are generally arcuately curved continuouslyfor their full length. The brace 3 employed with a given awningconstruction will conform generally to the contour of the slats as isapparent from FIGS. 2, 11 and 12.

Because the awning of this invention is designed so that its componentswill snap-lock together, rather than slide together, intricatenon-straight configurations of the respective slats is made possible.Obviously the slats of the awning shown in FIGS. 2, 11 and 12 could notbe longitudinally slid into engagement with each other because of thenon-straight configuration thereof. However, by providing snap-lockinterengageable means on the respective edge portions of the slat, theslats may be provided with a wide variety of longitudinal configurationsto meet any given need.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 16, the aforementioned modified channelmember 23 shown therein will be described. In general, this channelmember is basically the same as the aforementioned channel members 2- inthat both channel member embodiments have longitudinal projections whichare snap-lock interengageable with the preformed slot in the respectiveslats of the awning construction. However, comparing FIG. 6 with FIG.13, it will be noted that the longitudinal projection 18 of the channelspecies of FIG. 6- is formed by the free edge of the channel memberfolded back upon another portion thereof. In the embodiment of FIG. 13,the projection is provided by forming a longitudinal, inwardly directedV-shaped portion 44 which extends the length of the channel member. Ineither case, however, the channel member is snap-lock engageable intothe groove 16 of each s'lat of the series.

Channel member embodiment of FIG. 16 also includes in the portionthereof opposite from the projection 44 a further longitudinal groove 46best seen in FIGS. 13 and 16. This groove is provided so that a pair ofchannel members may be connected end to end as shown generally in FIGS.14 and 15. That is, if it is desired to build up an awning constructionof a width greater than the width of a pre-cut channel member, it is asimple matter to interconnect two channel members 23 end to end as seenin FIG. 14. For this purpose, a generally U-shaped connector 47 isprovided which is slidably interfittable within and between the abuttingends of the channel members. The U-shaped connector 47 is provided withan outwandly bent lip 48 which extends into the grooves 46 provided inthe respective channel members.

By positioning a portion of the connector 47 in each channel member, anoperatively continuous channel member may be built up from two separatesections. The lip 48 in groove 46 and the other end 49 of the connectorwhich abuts the projection 44 of the respective channel membersprecludes separation of the members. It should be understood, of course,that the connector 47 is dimensioned to snugly fit within the respectivechannel members being connected. However, as seen in FIG. 15, the

.attached to the trailer home.

connector in no Way interferes with the snap-lock interengagement ofslats with the interconnected channel members.

Thus far, attention has been directed to embodiments of the invention inwhich all slats of the awning construction are identical, that is, inwhich each slat is provided with a cross sectional concavity whichextends in the same direction relative to the lip and groove structuresprovided along edge portions thereof. FIGS. 17 and 18, however,illustrate a modified awning construction in which alternate slats 55and 56 are formed so that their concavities project in oppositedirections. That is, as viewed in FIG. 18, alternate slats of the canopyare formed so that the concavity of one slat extends downwardly relativeto a reference plane 57 extending therethrough, while the next slat 56projects upwardly relative to such reference plane. This arrangementgives added strength to the awning construction, and is designed for usein awnings of larger sizes.

With this arrangement, it is necessary to employ a further modificationof a channel member, which is best shown at 58 in FIG. 17. Such channelmember includes a reversely bent securing portion 59, by means of whichthe same may be attached to a bracket 6 of the type describedpreviously. However, channel member 58 also includes opposite upper andlower longitudinal projections 61 and 62, which are engagebale in therespective preformed slots 63 and 64 of the alternate slats. The upperprojection 61 is formed by an inwardly depressed V-shaped groove portionof an upper planar surface of the channel member, while the lowerprojection 62 is formed by the upwardly bent free edge of the preformedchannel member. A snap-lock interengagement between the slat series andthe channel member may be effected in the same manner describedpreviously with respect to the other modifications of the invention.

With the embodiment of FIG. 18, interengageable groove and lipstructures 11 and 12 of the type described previously may be employed,or any of the alternative constructions to be described herein after maybe employed.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a specific application for the awningembodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18. In this connection, the awning canopydefined by alternate slats 55 and 56 (generally designated 65 in FIG.19) is shown attached to and projecting from a mobile trailer home 66 toserve as a patio cover therefor. The trailer home is positioned on asupporting structure 67 and brace means in the form of a post or seriesof posts 68 is interposed between the supporting structure and thecanopy at the outer end 69 of the canopy. Any suitable means may beemployed for connecting the posts 68 with the awning canopy.

Now referring to FIG. 20, a modified channel member 71 is provided whichin most respects is the same as channel member 58 illustrated in FIG.17. However, for use with this specialized installation, channel member71 is provided along one surface with a pair of longitudinal bulbousprojections 72. Most modern mobile trailer homes are provided with agenerally U-shaped channel bracket 73 which is welded or bolted to thetrailer when the same is manufactured. This bracket 73 is provided sothat a canvas awning or the like may be attached thereto. By providingthe channel member 71 of this invention with bulbous projections 72, usemay be made of the bracket 73 already attached to the trailer so thatthe subject invention may be employed therewith.

It is only necessary after an awning canopy has been assembled toinclude a modified channel member 71 to slidably position theprojections 72 into the bracket 73 Thereafter, it is merely necessary tosecure the supporting posts 68 to the free end of the awning in anysuitable manner. In this way an awning or patio cover arrangement may beprovided for a trailer home.

With respect to the channel members shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, a furtherimportant feature thereof results from their particular construction,namely, the same can serve as rain-troughs for carrying water laterallyof the awning construction through the channel member at the outerawning end. That is, as seen in FIGS. 17 and 20, each channel memberadjacent its lower projection 62 is provided with a depressed portion 76along which rain water passing from the slats of the assembly may flowlaterally. Any overflow from this depressed portion 76 may run over intothe hollow interior 77 of the channel member to be carried laterallytherealong. Because at least alternate slats are arranged with theirconcavity extending downwardly, rain falling on the canopy will flow inthe slats into the channel member. In this way, water is carried to thesides of the awning so that entry or departure of a person through adoor protected by the canopy is not made diflicult by water drippingfrom a central portion of the awning.

A further embodiment and specific application of this invention isillustrated in FIG. 21. That is, an interengaged channel member and slatassembly may be employed as a fence or wind break merely by forming thechannel members and slats of suificient size and by providing post meansfor supporting the construction in a generally vertical position. Theterm awning, as used herein, is intended to apply equally to the use ofthis invention as a fence or like arrangement. The fence constructionillustrated in FIG. 21 corresponds generally to the alternatearrangement shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. This arrangement is preferredbecause the same, as noted previously, has added strength over thearrangement described previously in which the concavity of all slatsextends in the same direction. To modify the arrangement of FIGS. 17 and18 for use as a fence, it is merely necessary to provide a pair of fenceposts (only one shown in FIG. 21) designated 81, each of which isprovided adjacent its opposite ends with a laterally projecting bracket82 intended to be received within the respective channel members 58 ofthe construction. Any suitable means may be employed for connecting theassembly to the posts, such as by providing aligned holes 83, 84 in thechannel members and the brackets 82, as shown in the drawing, throughwhich fasteners may be extended.

While heretofore only one specific embodiment of the interengageablegroove and lip structures of the invention has been shown, reference isnow directed to FIGS. 22 through 26 for modifications which may beemployed. While the purpose of these figures is to illustrate thatnumerous interengageable means may be provided along the respective edgeportions of interlockable slats of the awning construction, it should benoted that all of the alternate modifications illustrated include asecure interengagement by means of which lateral separation of therespective slats is positively precluded. It should be understood, ofcourse, that with each arrangement illustrated, the lip structure of oneslat is snap-lockably received in the groove structure of the associatedslats in such manner that slidable interengagement therebetween isgenerally precluded. That is, the lip structures are dimensioned to bereceived snugly in the groove structures, so that secure interengagementbetween the respective slats is insured, and so that looseness andchattering in an assembled awning construction is positively precluded.

In FIG. 22, lip structure 86 is arcuately curved and is received inarcuate groove structure 87. FIG. 23 shows a bulbous lip structure 88snugly received in a correspondingly shaped groove structure 89. Thearrangement of FIG. 24 is generally similar to that of FIG. 23 exceptthe bulbous lip structure 91 and groove structure 92 are formed withsharp bends.

FIG. 25 shows an arrangement in which a straight lip structure 93 isreceived within a straight groove structure 94. However, the slat edgeportion 96 along which the groove structure is formed is reversely bentat 97 to provide a stop shoulder for precluding inadvertent separationof the structures. FIG. 26 shows yet another modification in whichidentical but reversely oriented structures 98 and 99 are snap lockinterengaged.

Because the slats possess inherent resilience, the structuresillustrated herein may be interengaged without permanent distortion.

From the foregoing it should be understood that this invention relatesto an awning construction which employs a minimum number of parts, andwhich may be assembled in a short period of time by unskilled personsrapidly and easily without requiring the use of fasteners and specialtools.

Other modifications to this invention which may become apparent to oneskilled in the art are contemplated as falling within the scope of thisinvention as set out in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An awning construction comprising an awning canopy and meansattachable to opposite ends of said canopy for supporting said canopy inoperative position; said canopy comprising a plurality of elongatedpreformed slats each of which has a generally concave crosssection, eachof said slats having preformed groove struc tures and preformed lipstructures extending the full length thereof along correspondinglongitudinal edge portions thereof, said slats being interengaged witheach other for their full lengths with the lip structure of one slatreceived securely in the groove structure of an adjacent slat, and apair of locking channel members extending transversely of andinterlocked with said interengaged slats at said opposite ends of saidcanopy, each of said channel members being received over and straddlingan end of each of said interengaged slats with each such slat end snuglyengaged in such channel member, and cooperable locking means on each ofsaid channel members and on opposite ends of each of said slats; saidlocking means comprising a slot extending laterally of each slatadjacent each end thereof and a longitudinal projection internally ofeach channel member, each projection of each channel member beingsecurely engaged in a slot of each said slat received within suchchannel member; said interengaged lip and groove structures of saidslats of said canopy positively precluding lateral separation of saidslats, and said channel members positively precluding longitudinalseparation of said slats, whereby the need for separate fasteners andsupports to maintain said canopy assembled is obviated.

2. The awning construction of claim 1 in which both of said channelmembers are of substantially identical construction, and wherein allsaid slats are of substantially identical construction, whereby saidcanopy is defined by only two types of components.

3. The awning construction of claim 1 in which each of said channelmembers includes an integral flange extending longitudinally externallythereof, each such flange providing means securely engagea-ble directlywith and by said means attachable to opposite ends of said canopy forsupporting the same in operative position without requiring separatefasteners to effect such engagement.

4. The awning construction of claim 1 in which said interengaged slatsare arranged :in said canopy with alternate slats having theirconcavities facing in opposite directions.

5. The awning construction of claim 4 in which each of said channelmembers includes a pair of longitudinal projections internally thereofwhich extend along opposed walls thereof, and in which said lip andgroove structures of said slats are interengaged with each other at alocation between and spaced from said opposed projections.

6. An awning construction comprising an awning canopy and meansattachable to opposite ends of said canopy for supporting said canopy inoperative position projecting from a supporting wall; said canopycomprising a plurality of elongated preformed slats all of which aresubstantially identical so that said canopy includes only one type ofslat, each of said slats being non-straight in its lengthwise directionand having a generally concave cross-section, all said slats in saidcanopy being arranged with their concavities facing in the samedirection, each of said slats having preformed groove structures andpreformed lip structures extending substantially the full length thereofalong corresponding longitudinal edge portions thereof, said slats beinginterengaged with each other for substantially their full lengthsincluding the non-straight portions thereof with the lip structure ofone slat received securely in the groove structure of an adjacent slat,and a pair of locking channel members extending transversely of andinterlocked with said interengaged slats at said opposite ends of saidcanopy, each of said channel members being received over and straddlingan end of each of said interengaged slats with each such slat end snuglyengaged in such channel member, and cooperable locking means on each ofsaid channel members and on opposite ends of each of said slats; saidlocking means comprising a slot extending laterally of each slatadjacent each end thereof and a longitudinal projection internally ofeach channel member, each projection of each channel member beingsecurely engaged in a slot of each slat received Within such channelmember; said interengaged lip and groove structures of said slats ofsaid canopy positively precluding lateral separation of said slats, andsaid channel members positively precluding longitudinal separation ofsaid slats, whereby the need for separate fasteners and supports tomaintain said canopy assembled is obviated.

7. The awning construction of claim 6 in which each said channel memberincludes an integral flange extending longitudinally externally thereof,and in which said means attachable to opposite ends of said canopy forsupporting the same in operative position includes at least one braceinterposable between said supporting wall and the channel member whichdefines the outer end of said canopy, said brace having finger means atits outer end engageable directly with said integral flange of said lastmentioned channel member, whereby the need for separate fasteners tosecure said brace to said canopy is obviated.

8. The awning construction of claim 7 in which said means attachable toopposite ends of said canopy for supporting the same in operativeposition also includes at least one bracket securable to said supportingwall, said bracket having hook means thereon engageable directly withthe integral flange of the channel member which defines the inner end ofsaid canopy, whereby the need for separate fasteners to secure saidcanopy to said bracket is obviated.

9. An awning construction comprising an awning canopy and meansattachable to opposite ends of said canopy for supporting said canopy inoperative position projecting from a supporting wall; said canopyconsisting essentially of a plurality of elongated preformed slats allof which are substantially identical and a pair of end locking channelmembers both of which are substantially identical whereby said canopyincludes only one type of slat and one type of channel member, each ofsaid slats being non-straight in its lengthwise direction and having agenerally concave cross-section, each of said slats having preformedgrooved structures and preformed lip structures extending substantiallythe full length thereof along corresponding longitudinal edge portionsthereof, said slats being interengaged with each other for substantiallytheir full lengths including the non-straight portions thereof with thelip structure of one slat received securely in the groove structure ofan adjacent slat, said pair of locking channel members extendingtransversely of and interlocked with said interengaged slats anddefining said opposite ends of said canopy, each of said channel membersbeing received over and straddling an end of each of said interengagedslats with each such slat end snugly engaged in such channel memher, andcooperable locking means on each of said channel members and on oppositeends of each of said slats, said locking means comprising a slotextending laterally of each slat adjacent each end thereof and alongitudinal projection internally of each channel member, eachprojection of each channel member being securely engaged in a slot ofeach slat received within such chan nel member; said interengaged lipand groove structures of said slats of said canopy being snap lockedtogether with said slats, whereby the need for separate fasteners tomaintain said canopy assembled is precluded; each of said channelmembers at said canopy opposite ends including a longitudinal flangeintegral therewith and extending lengthwise thereof; said meansattachable to opposite ends of said canopy comprising brackets andbraces securable to said supporting wall, said brackets and braces eachincluding means interengageable directly with said flanges of saidchannel members so that the need for separate fasteners to eflect suchinterengagement is obviated,

10. An awning canopy construction consisting essen' tially of aplurality of elongated preformed interengaged slats and a pair ofelongated preformed locking channel members interlocked with saidinterengaged slats at opposite ends of said canopy; all of said slatsbeing substantially identical so that said canopy includes only one typeof slat, each of said slats being generally concave in cross-section andhaving preformed groove structures and preformed lip structuresextending substantially the full length thereof along correspondinglongitudinal edge portions thereof, said slats being interengaged witheach other for substantially their full lengths with the lip structureof one slat received securely in the groove structure of the adjacentslat; said pair of locking channel members being substantially identicalso that said canopy includes only one type of locking member, saidchannel members extending transversely of said interengaged slats atsaid opposite ends of said canopy, each of said channel members beingsecurely engaged directly with an end portion of each of saidinterengaged slats without employing separate fasteners, and cooperablelocking means on each of said channels members and on opposite ends ofeach of said slats for effecting such interengagement; said lockingmeans comprising interengaged recesses and projections formed on saidslats adjacent the ends thereof and internally of said channel members,said recesses and projections being securely interlocked with each otherwithin said channel members; said interengaged lip and groove structures.of said slats precluding lateral separation of said slats, and saidchannel members precluding longitudinal separation of said slats,whereby the need for separate fasteners and supports to maintain saidcanopy assembled is obviated.

11. An awning canopy construction consisting essentially of a pluralityof elongated preformed interengaged slats and a pair of elongatedpreformed locking channelmembers interlocked directly with saidinterengaged slats at opposite ends of said canopy; each of said slatsbeing non-straight in its longitudinal direction and including at leastone curved portion intermediate its ends which imparts such non-straightconfiguration thereto, each said slat having preformed groove structuresand preformed lip structures extending substantially the full lengththereof along corresponding longitudinal edge portions thereof, saidslats being interengaged with each other for substantially their fulllengths including the curved portions thereof with the lip structure ofone slat received securely in the groove structure of an adjacent slat,said slat curved portions precluding longitudinal sliding betweenadjacent slats so that such slats must be snap locked into engagementwith each other, said pair of locking channel members extendingtransversely of said interengaged slats at 13 said opposite ends of saidcanopy, each of said channel members being securely engaged directlywith an end portion of each of said interengaged slats without employingseparate fasteners, and cooperable locking means on each of said channelmembers and at opposite ends of each of said slats for effecting saidinterengagement therebetween, said locking means comprising interengagedrecesses and projections formed :directly on said slats and on saidchannel members, said recesses and projections securely interlockingeach end of each slat with an associted channel member at such slat end,whereby the need for separate fasteners and supports to maintain saidcanopy assembled is obviated.

12. The awning canopy of claim 11 in which all of said slats aresubstantially identical, and in which both of said locking channelmembers are substantially identical, whereby said canopy is defined byonly two types of principal components.

13. An awning canopy construction consisting essentially of a pluralityof elongated preformed interengaged slats and a pair of elongatedpreformed locking members interlocked directly with each of saidinterengaged slats at opposite ends of said canopy, each of said slatshaving preformed interengageable structures along edge portions thereof,said slats being interengaged with each other by said structures in theabsence of separate fasteners along substantially their entire lengthsso that the slats are held against lateral separation by saidstructures, said pair of locking members extending transversely of saidinterengaged slats at said opposite ends of said canopy, and cooperablelocking means on each of said locking members and at opposite ends ofeach of said slats for effecting said interlocking therebetween in theabsence of separate fasteners, said locking means comprisinginterengaged recesses and projections formed directly on said slats andon said locking members, said recesses and projections securelyinterlocking each of said slats with said channel members, whereby theneed for separate fasteners and supports to maintain said canopyassembled is obviated.

14. An awning canopy construction according to claim 13 in which saidlocking members are channel-shaped having opposed side walls and aconnecting bottom wall, and in which the projections of said cooperablelocking means are formed on said locking members internally thereof andextend longitudinally therealong, each said projection extendinglaterally inwardly from one side wall of its associated locking membertoward the opposite side wall thereof at a location spaced from thebottom wall thereof, said recesses of said cooperable locking meansbeing formed in each of said slats at opposite ends thereof forreceiving the projections of said locking members.

15. An awning canopy construction according to claim 13 in which saidlocking members are open channel-shaped and each has an integral flangewhich extends longitudinally therealong, each said flange projectinglaterally away from a wall of its associated channel-shaped lockingmember and having a generally reversely extending portion thereondefining an open recess between said portion and said wall which opensin generally the same direction as the opening in its associated openchannel-shaped locking member.

16. An awning canopy construction according to claim 13 in which saidstructures for interengaging said slats include a preformed longitudinalgroove along one longitudinal edge of each slat and a preformed lipalong the other longitudinal edge of each slat, each said groove beingdefined by a reversely bent slat edge portion which extends upwardlyfrom the slat and which is curved to form a groove having a generallyarcuate cross-section, each said lip being defined by a slat edgeportion which is bent upwardly from the slat and which is curved to forma flange having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration asits associated groove.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,706,924 3/1929Kane 20-57 2,639,477 5/ 1953 Freeman 20-57.5 2,751,640 1/ 1956 Miller20-57.5 2,811,935 11/1957 Jones --4 2,930,088 3/1960 Sims 2057.53,107,401 10/1963 Heirich 20-57.5

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. GEOR GE A. NINAS, 1a., Examiner,

13. AN AWNING CANOPY CONSTRUCTION CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED PERFORMED INTERENGAGED SLATS AND A PAIR OF ELONGATED PREFORMED LOCKING MEMBERS INTERLOCKED DIRECTLY WITH EACH OF SAID INTERENGAGED SLATS AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID CANOPY, EACH OF SAID SLATS HAVING PREFORMED INTERENGAGEABLE STRUCTURES ALONG EDGE PORTIONS THEREOF, SAID SLATS BEING INTERENGAGED WITH EACH OTHER BY SAID STRUCTURE IN THE ABSENCE OF SEPARATE FASTENERS ALONG SUBSTANTIALLY THEIR ENTIRE LENGTHS SO THAT THE SLATS ARE HELD AGAINST LATERAL SEPARATION BY SAID STRUCTURES, SAID PAIR OF LOCKING MEMBERS EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID INTERENGAGED SLATS AT SAID OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID CANOPY, AND COOPERABLE LOCKING MEANS ON EACH OF SAID LOCKING MEMBERS AND AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF EACH OF SAID SLATS FOR EFFECTING SAID INTERLOCKING THEREBETWEEN IN THE ABSENCE OF SEPARATE FASTENERS, SAID LOCKING MEANS COMPRISING INTERENGAGED RECESSES AND PROJECTIONS FORMED DIRECTLY ON SAID SLATS AND ON SAID LOCKING MEMBERS, SAID RECESSES AND PROJECTIONS SECURELY INTERLOCKING EACH OF SAID SLATS WITH SAID CHANNEL MEMBERS, WHEREBY THE NEED FOR SEPARATE FASTENERS AND SUPPORT TO MAINTAIN SAID CANOPY ASSEMBLED IS OBVIATED. 